Cheoah!

Okay so today was a test of my limits! I was talked into running the gem that is the Cheoah today. My fearless leaders, J & D, assured me that I had a slightly good chance of not getting too terribly hurt. That was enough for me and the challenge was accepted.

Let me first say I was extremely shocked at the sheer number of kayakers wanting to make this run today. It was impressive and inspiring. While setting up this morning we even gave a ride to a guy that we later found out was from Claremore and an OSU grad. We didn't hold it against him and he seemed like a great guy.

We then met up with the guys and began our run. Julie opted out today, she's the smart one remember, and volunteered to run shuttle and take the pics along the way. She was also my back-up in case I wanted to pull out. It sure was great to see her smile and thumbs-up at the end of so many rapids. What a great gal!

Anyway, we got on and the run began. The run starts off with what the locals call dull easy stuff and what I call a challenge. There were several swamping rapids that definitely got my attention. To compare it to another run it began like the upper Ocoee. Plenty of willows and some really kickin' rapids.

This style of running and gunning really didn't seem to break for quite some time. As we got farther down the river the rapids seemed to just keep getting bigger. I was quite shocked that I remained mostly upright and in my boat! Once we got to the falls a new level of respect was born.

The entrance rapids to the falls were impressive. J had to stop and ask for directions and I'm glad he did. This rapid required some moves to be made that really tested our abilities. We made it through and then we were ready to pick our lines down the falls. The falls, or the "Big Un" was the single largest drop I have done to date. Julie caught it on film and we had such a great time running it we carried back up to run it again.

After running the falls, the place I thought I would pull out and end my day, I decided to stick with it and continue the run. This proved to be a wise choice and again I managed to stay mostly up-right and in the boat. From the falls down some of the more difficult rapids come up with even more technical lines and pushy water. It was a hoot.

All in all, no swims and only one bruised elbow (next time elbow pads). Great run, great guides and nine miles of crazy whitewater in 2.5 hours! Yeah it was cooking!

Now that the Cheoah is out of my system, I am ready to head back to the Ocoee. Ahh good old Ocoee!

rt

p.s. For the car lovers out there.... We ran into a group of British 7 roadsters on the tail of the dragon. They were out there all day and I swear there must have been at least 50. Incredible.